Page 89 of Conception
“Yes. Umm, we’ve done business with them in the past. Amelia, are you sure it was Knox Wellington?”
“It’s what he said his name was. I don’t see why he’d lie.”
Dread twists a knot in my belly at the way Grams grimaces and falls back against the cushion. “Darling, I…I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you. Knox Wellington. He’s married.”
It’s as if the wind’s knocked out of me.
Sunny goes rigid at my side.
“What?” I gasp. “How can that be? His brother was there. Surely he would’ve said something.” I turn to Sunny. “Right?”
“There has to be some sort of misunderstanding,” Sunny offers.
“I’ll drive to Nashville and flay the bastard myself,” Grams declares. “My word! Getting a young woman pregnant when he has grown children himself!”
I’m still reeling from her revelation. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be sick.
Sunny jumps up and screeches, “Wait!”
Grams and I both stare at her.
She points to Grams. “You said he has grown children?”
“Yes. Two boys, I believe.”
She swivels to me. “It’s not even remotely possible for your Knox to have grown children.”
It dawns on me. Relief rushes in as quickly as the anguish recedes. “It’s a family name.”
The ire drains from Grams’ face. “Well, that’s a relief. Although I still have half a mind to go kick this young man’s behind. He needs to know what he’s done.”
“Grams, calm down. First, this isn’t just on him. I was a willing participant. He doesn’t know yet. I’ll tell him. When I’m ready.”
I just don’t know when the hell that’ll be.
“BRO.”
A plush baseball hits me on the side of my head. I glance up from my desk and see my brother frowning at me. “What the hell, Clay?”
“What the hell yourself, Knox? Mom called me. She’s worried about you.”
It’s my turn to frown. “She shouldn’t be. I’m fine.”
Clay lifts an eyebrow in disbelief. “Dude. All you’ve done since coming back from Crystal Cove is work and school.”
I lean back in my chair. “How is that different from any other school year?” I ask. “Besides, if I want to graduate early, I have to focus.”
“You don’t have to do any extra shit to graduate early. You’re on track, and with Dad getting ready to go back to work, you’ll have plenty of time to balance work and school. Why don’t you ever come out anymore? Maria and I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“I’m too busy.”
“You’re full of shit is what you are.”
I scowl, because it pisses me off how well he can read me. Clay’s not only my brother, he’s my best friend. The person who knows me nearly better than I know myself. There’s no sense in lying to him.
“I have no desire to go out. To meet anyone else.”
Realization dawns in his eyes. “Ah. Meems.”
